Should You Buy a German Shepherd?
A German Shepherd is a costly and emotional purchase. You can avoid making a mistake that could cost you money and time by doing your research before you buy.
Talk to local veterinarians to get recommendations for ethical breeders. Make sure you and your family members commit to daily walks, games, and other physical activities. German Shepherds need exercise to prevent frustration and boredom, which can cause chewed shoes or furniture.
Find a Reputable breeder
You'll want a breeder who is competent and accountable. They will be transparent about their breeding practices and will be willing to share pedigrees. They will also take care to avoid breeding puppies with genetic diseases.
You can locate reputable breeders by asking your veterinarian for recommendations, or looking through the websites of dog clubs and performance events. Breeders usually have a facility in which they raise their dogs, and provide training classes at a cost. This is a great way to bond with your dog and begin basic obedience training.
Find a breeder who breeds for health and temperament instead of looks or coat color. A reliable breeder will follow strict standards for breeding and screen for genetic diseases that are common to the German Shepherd Dog. They also verify their puppies' health with orthopedic and DNA tests.
Some red flags to watch out for include breeders who do not provide regular preventive measures like deworming or vaccinations, or who insists that their supplements are superior than those sold by your veterinarian. Be wary of breeders who require you to sign contracts that include conditions you don't like.
It's crucial to realize that breeders who raise puppies for a living take on an enormous responsibility. They have many people who rely on them to provide high-quality puppies. If a breeder does not meet the highest standards, it could affect the entire breed.
If deutscher schäferhund pflege select a breeder who is a backyard breeder, you could end up getting one with a sluggish and unstable behavior. They are usually found on message boards or online forums, asking for help to fix the many temperament and health issues they suffer from. A breeder who is not a good one or who is breeding in their backyard has no knowledge of what makes the German Shepherd Dog special. They usually are looking to make money and not to produce healthy puppies. A reputable breeder trains their dogs in a variety of settings apart from basic obedience. They'll train and title their dogs in Schutzhund or other competitions.
Talk to your local veterinarians
German Shepherds are smart active dogs that are extremely affectionate with their owners. They are herding dogs, and often serve as service dogs for the police or military, but they make great family pets. They are prone to boredom and need lots of stimulation. They thrive in homes that have plenty of space and time to play.
Before you get a German Shepherd, talk to local veterinarians for recommendations on ethical breeders. Veterinarians work closely with many pet care givers, including shelters and private owners, so they'll have a good idea of the reputable breeders in your region. Ask them about any genetic conditions that are common to the breed. You should ask about genetic diseases that are common to the breed.
If you reside in New York, there are numerous top-of-the-line animal hospitals with staffs who specialize in working with German Shepherds, like Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island in West Islip and BluePearl Pet Hospital in Queens. These facilities are equipped with state-of-the art facilities and their staff is trained to treat a variety of illnesses and ailments that are common to this breed.
You can also get in touch with the local German Shepherd clubs. These clubs have lists of dog breeders who are reputable, and can guide you in the right direction. You can also determine whether the breeder had their parents tested for common genetic diseases.
Hip dysplasia is a common issue for German Shepherds. The hip joint does not fit perfectly. This could lead later on to arthritis that is painful. A good breeder should x-ray their dogs and select those with healthy hips to breed. Heart disease is another issue that plagues the breed. A good breeder will screen both parents for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and Valvular Heart Disease and heart murmurs.
You shouldn't buy a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder that can't provide evidence of health tests for both parents. This indicates that the breeder may not be following strict breeding protocols. It's also not healthy to transport puppies over long distances. This can lead to respiratory problems and stress.
Find a breeder with specialized Knowledge
German Shepherds are renowned for their herding instincts and enthusiasm for learning, which makes them excellent working dogs. They are also excellent guard dogs and are known for their loyalty to family members. However, this protection could turn violent in the event that the dog isn't well-socialized and trained in its early years. The breed can be very energetic and need plenty of exercise to prevent them from getting bored, which can result in behavioural issues like chewing on furniture or barking. This is why it's important to choose a dog that is appropriate for your lifestyle and environment.
If you are looking to find an German Shepherd puppy, consider asking local veterinarians for recommendations from ethical breeders. Veterinarians are in a superior position to provide advice on where to purchase high-quality German Shepherds because they work closely with many animal care providers, including breeders, shelters and private owners.
Look for a breeder that has good relations with their breeding stock, and is willing to communicate with potential buyers. A responsible breeder will respond to questions about health tests, early socialization, and the environment in which their puppies are being raised.
A reputable breeder will also offer a health certificate for each puppy they sell, which will detail the pup's genetic history. This includes hereditary diseases prevalent in the breed such as degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus, as well as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. They will also provide a list of recommended vaccinations and medicines for your puppy, which you should adhere to precisely to lower the risk of disease.
It is crucial that your German Shepherd receives regular veterinary examinations. This will allow your vet to identify any potential issues before they become more serious and will help avoid problems such as skin conditions, bloat, and heart disease. It is important to use a stethoscope in order to listen to the heartbeat and also to take an X ray of the chest during routine checks.
German Shepherds are a huge commitment that can last up to 10-12 years with proper treatment. Before you buy one, ensure that you can afford it financially, and have the time to devote to it. Also, consider whether you have enough space to house a large dog, and be prepared for the additional cost of grooming, food, toys, equipment and crates.
Be Prepared to Devote Time to Early Training
German Shepherds are working dogs with the ability to protect themselves and a natural desire to herd. They are also extremely fearless, which is why they make excellent military and police dogs. However, these characteristics can be problematic in the home of a dog. If they are afraid, they may be aggressive towards cars or bark at people. They can also be prone to biting.
Selecting a puppy with the right temperament can assist you in tackling these problems. However, you will need to devote time and energy to early training. This includes house-training and addressing food-related aggression (GSDs typically guard their food).
Your German Shepherd must get lots of exercise to ensure that they are well-trained. This could mean long hikes, joggs and runs as well as fetch games. They will also need mental stimulation through games that require a nose and puzzle games. They are also heavy shedders and must be groomed regularly.
A good place to start when looking for a breeder who is ethical is to speak with local veterinarians. They are well-versed with a variety of animals and can recommend ethical breeders and dog training. You can also inquire with pet store owners and other local German Shepherd owners.
When you decide to buy a GSD be sure that the breeder offers health guarantees. This will protect you from serious genetic diseases. These include hereditary eye disorders, hip dysplasias von Willebrand diseases, and EPI.
There are other methods to acquire the German Shepherd if you cannot find a reputable breeder. Rescue centres and animal shelters often have German Shepherds, and breed-specific rescues can often be found online. If you plan to adopt a GSD from a rescue center make sure you know as much as you can about the history of the dog before you decide to take them home. This will help you determine if the dog will be a good fit for your lifestyle. Ask about any behavioral or health problems the dog might have experienced. GSDs are intelligent dogs that will respond well to proper training if they were well-socialized as puppies.